Associate Director - Physical Sciences

Associate Director - Physical Sciences

West Cambridge | From £70,579| Full time, Permanent

Hybrid 3 days in office

Do you want to play a leading role in commercialising the ideas of world-leading academics?

Why you will love this role:
This is an exciting and varied leadership position within our Technology Transfer team. You will play a critical role in supporting and guiding academics as they transition from ground-breaking research to real-world applications and the commercialisation of cutting-edge innovations. You will lead on a diverse range of projects spanning various stages of development, from fledgling concepts to patented and licensed technologies. Situated at the heart of Europe’s most successful innovation cluster, you will work on the next big technological advancements, helping these discoveries make a real-world impact.

As Associate Director, Physical Sciences, you’ll play a key strategic role in shaping the future of technology transfer at Cambridge Enterprise – while also playing a leading role in developing a team of talented professionals who share your passion for turning research into real-world impact.

You will initiate and deliver strategic projects that strengthen the Technology Transfer capabilities of Cambridge Enterprise, while providing leadership to junior members of the team, nurturing their development and supporting their growth as future leaders in the field.

Your day-to-day work will involve many different activities:

• Leadership & Development: Provide mentorship, leadership and line management to junior team members, ensuring their growth and development. Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team.
• Innovation Leadership: Lead interactions with researchers to assess groundbreaking ideas, explore commercial potential, and develop commercialisation roadmaps that bridge academic research and practical applications.
• Enhance Value: Collaborate with researchers to develop and implement intellectual property strategies that enhance the value of their innovations to industry.
• Research Transformation: Help researchers turn their findings into proof-of-concept demonstrators that de-risk their ideas and create commercially viable opportunities.
• Market Assessments: Manage and interpret market assessments to support the development of intellectual property assets and proof-of-concept demonstrators.
• Business Development: Identify potential licensees and build strategic relationships to secure technology development and licensing opportunities.
• Agreements: Oversee and draft a wide variety of agreements, from confidentiality agreements to joint invention agreements and commercial licences, facilitating the commercialisation process.
• Academic Outreach and Training: Engage with researchers to promote Cambridge Enterprise through our outreach and training programs.
• Support Company Creation: Facilitate the creation of spin-out companies through industry and investor partnerships.
• Strategic Initiatives: Lead the identification and execution of strategic initiatives that drive the long-term success of the team and the wider organisation.

What we're looking for:

• A background in engineering, physics, maths, chemistry, materials, or computer science with research experience and a PhD (or equivalent).
• Extensive experience either within a commercial environment or the academic sector, with a strong track record in technology commercialisation, intellectual property management, business development, and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing people and projects, and the ability to nurture junior talent.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a complex portfolio of projects.
• Strong interpersonal, team-working, and communication skills to effectively manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• High levels of initiative, creative problem-solving skills, and the ability to influence outcomes with sound solutions.
• A track record of making responsible decisions on portfolio management, resource deployment, and legal agreements.

Nice to have:

• You may also have knowledge of software, AI or data innovations.

Diversity and equality matter:

These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they are 100% qualified. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so please apply if you meet the majority of the job requirements.

If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact Ian, Sofia or Michelle at [email protected]

Perks at a glance:

• 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Class-leading Bupa private medical insurance
• Hybrid role with genuine flexible working – including work from abroad for up to 30 days a year in most roles
• Generous University pension scheme.
• A commitment to personal development including LinkedIn learning.
• Family-friendly policies (including enhanced parental leave & childcare benefits, fertility leave, and pregnancy loss leave)
• Mental health and well-being support including access to free counselling.

• Access to Bupa's Menopause Plan for expert advice and support.

• Retail and travel discounts.

Why Cambridge Enterprise?

We are at the heart of Europe's most successful research and technology cluster and we're on a mission to bring innovation to life, making a difference to society, the UK economy, and the University of Cambridge. We connect the innovative minds of the University’s academics with the funding, start-up expertise and commercial relationships they need to help their ideas thrive.

Our success stories include an electric vehicle charging technology that's as convenient as filling up with petrol, a programme to prevent ideological extremism, and the world's first treatment for a rare cause of blindness. Now, we need an Associate Director to join our team at our vibrant West Cambridge site.

Key dates:

Closing date: 4th July

1st interviews: Week Commencing 8th July

2nd interviews: 16th July